• Andy Johns

  • Podcasts

    Discovering Key Metrics for Broadband Providers

    What You’ll Learn Erika Nelson of Lynxx Networks talks about the KPIs broadband providers should be paying attention to. From market share and ARPU to digital analytics and customer reviews, Erika shares how her team uses data to guide decisions and measure success. Guest Speaker Erika Nelson Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for […]
    Andy Johns
    April 19, 2026
  • Podcasts

    Incentives That Build Stronger Teams

    What You’ll Learn Shelly Hansel, public relations director at SCTelcom, discusses creative ways cooperatives can incentivize employees and strengthen company culture. From referral bonuses to “Going the Extra Mile” awards and even monthly half-days off, Shelly shares how recognition, trust and leadership at every level help build a team of people who want to stay […]
    Andy Johns
    April 22, 2026
  • News

    Board Nominations Open March 5; District Change Adds Flexibility, Diversity

    We’re looking for a few strong leaders who crave cooperation, love digging into details and have a passion for utility communications. Are you up for the opportunity? As a utility-owned marketing cooperative representing more than 400 organizations, Pioneer Utility Resources depends on members to guide the co-op. Nine volunteers from across the nation serve on […]
    Andy Johns
    April 19, 2026
  • News

    Ruth Marks Joins Pioneer’s Board of Directors

    Ruth Marks, CEO of Mountain View Electric Cooperative, accepted an appointment to Pioneer’s Board of Directors on Feb. 20. “Ruth Marks is just the kind of board member Pioneer needs. She has a deep background in virtually all aspects of the cooperative utility world and a clear understanding of the importance of consumer communications. We […]
    Andy Johns
    April 19, 2026
  • Podcasts

    The Power of Strategic Partnerships

    What You’ll Learn Andy Johns is joined by Chris Townson, CEO of West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber, to talk about what makes a strong partnership. Chris shares candid lessons from working with telcos, electrics and municipalities—including how to evaluate opportunities, align missions, manage egos and build lasting agreements. Recorded live at the Calix ConneXions conference. […]
    Andy Johns
    April 22, 2026
  • Podcasts

    The Keys to Connecting With Kids

    What You’ll Learn As a writer on shows like Paw Patrol, Spirit Rangers and Cocomelon Lane, Joey Clift shares some of the keys to reaching the youngest audiences. Joey will be a speaker at StoryConnect 2026. ​ Guest Speaker Joey Clift Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production […]
    Andy Johns
    April 19, 2026
  • Blog

    2025 Pioneer Pulse: Members Confirm Pioneer’s Lasting Value While Looking to Future Growth

    Our 2025 Pioneer Pulse survey shows member satisfaction remains exceptionally high, with strong marks for service quality, staff relationships and core offerings, even as members look to Pioneer for expanded digital and multimedia support.
    Andy Johns
    April 19, 2026
  • Podcasts

    Branding Beyond the Logo (Sometimes There Are Superheroes)

    What You’ll Learn Casey French, marketing and PR director at CASSCOMM discusses how branding goes beyond a logo to include community engagement, co-branding, locally produced video and creative mascots, like their superhero, “Gigabolt.” ​ Guest Speaker Casey French Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production of Pioneer Utility […]
    Andy Johns
    April 19, 2026
  • Podcasts

    Personal Branding for Introverts

    What You’ll Learn In her recently published book, “Personal Branding for Introverts,” Goldie Chan outlines how to remain true to yourself, while taking strategic steps to improve your network and reputation. Goldie previews the book and her session at StoryConnect 2026 in this episode. Link to purchase the book: https://a.co/d/85WjjJa. Guest Speaker Goldie Chan Show […]
    Andy Johns
    April 19, 2026
  • Podcasts

    Calix ConneXions ReaXions

    What You’ll Learn In what’s become an annual tradition, hosts Megan McKoy-Noe and Andy Johns share the mics to discuss major takeaways from last week’s Calix ConneXions conference. Ding! Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production of Pioneer Utility Resources. StoryConnect, helping communicators discover ideas to shape their […]
    Andy Johns
    April 22, 2026
  • Podcasts

    When Your Slowest Speed Is a Gig

    What You’ll Learn HTC has consolidated its broadband speeds to two plans: 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps. How did it get there, and what are the advantages of simplifying its speed packages? Guest Speaker Jeff Chrzanowski Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production of Pioneer Utility Resources. StoryConnect, […]
    Andy Johns
    April 19, 2026
  • Podcasts

    Engage the Next Generation of Co-op Members

    What You’ll Learn The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi band together to go beyond Youth Tour with their Learn. Grow. Experience. initiative, including Cooperative University. Notes: Filmed at CONNECT. Guest Speaker Lydia Walters and Chris Alexander Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production of Pioneer Utility Resources. StoryConnect, helping […]
    Andy Johns
    April 22, 2026